Contact Us
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the Academic Catalog
Mark Coen, Associate Registrar
617-989-4213
coenm@wit.edu
Office of the Registrar
Williston Hall 103
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MA 02115
Computer Science and Networking Department
Charles M. Hotchkiss, Interim Chair
Williston Hall, Room 207
Phone: 617-989-4831
Faculty
Professors
- Thomas L. Goulding, Ph.D.
- Michael M. Werner, Ph.D.
Associate Professors
- Karina Assiter, Ph.D.
- Leonidas Deligiannidis, Ph.D.
- John P. Russo
- Durga Suresh, Ph.D.
- Hongsheng Wu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professors
- Magdy Ellabidy
- Pierre Elysee
- Joey Lawrance, Ph.D.
- Lisa MacLean
- David Rilett
- Charlie Wiseman, Ph.D
- Mira Yun, Ph.D.
The Department of Computer Science and Networking is dedicated to providing its students with a foundation for continuous learning and an understanding of contemporary computer science and networking theory and applications. Specifically, the department’s mission is to introduce students to this field by using introductory programming and problem-solving courses. Students develop the necessary research and analytical skills to understand and apply newly acquired knowledge such as database management systems, networking, advanced programming languages, computer architecture, and operating systems. The department strives to prepare its graduates for productive and challenging careers in private practice, industry, and government, and to provide a solid foundation for lifelong professional development, including graduate programs.
The department’s dedicated networking laboratory provides students with an effective learning experience. Students have the opportunity to work with state of-the-art servers, switches, and routers both for network design and administration. The department involves students in their professions through its support of related student organizations and special lecture programs.
- In networking there are courses in security, storage technology, and advanced routing and switching
- In biotechnology there are four bioinformatics courses: an introduction to bioinformatics, bioinformatics algorithms, biostatistics, and data mining
- In games programming there are six courses: graphics programming, introduction to games programming, advanced games programming, virtual reality, linear algebra and Windows programming
Degree Programs
Computer Networking: Leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree
Students in Computer Networking (BSCN) gain valuable skills in computer networks (switching, routing), operating systems, WWW programming, databases, IT and project management, systems analysis, network and web security and programming. The department is currently starting a high-availability networking lab. Students are required to successfully complete two co-op work semesters beginning junior year.
Program Educational Objectives for Computer Networking
- Graduates will have a solid foundation for engaging in lifelong learning and professional development in the computer networking field.
- Graduates will attain productive and challenging careers in private practice, industry, and government.
- Graduates will be proficient in applying contemporary networking theory and practice to problems encountered in their workplace.
- Graduates will exhibit professionalism and behave in an ethical manner with regard to workplace and societal issues.
Freshman Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMP128 | Computer Science I | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP105 | Intro to Networking and Systems |
3 | 2 | 4 |
| ENGLISH | English Sequence† |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| MATH205 | College Mathematics I | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 14 | 4 | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COMP201 | Computer Science II | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ENGLISH | English Sequence† |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| MATH250 | Precalculus | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| PHYS210 | College Physics I | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 14 | 4 | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMP278 | Computer Architecture | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP285 | Object Oriented Programming | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP290 | Operating Systems Concepts | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Science Elective1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Humanities/Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 16 | 8 | 20 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COMP315 | Unix Systems Administration | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP355 | Database Management Systems | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Humanities/Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| COMP425 | Switching and Routing | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ENGL350 | Sophomore Writing Assessment | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 13 | 6 | 16 | |
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COOP300 | Pre-Cooperative Work Term (Optional) | 0 |
Note: Prior to entering junior year courses, students must have completed all pre-requisite courses listed above or have received permission from the department to enroll in these courses.
Junior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMP575 | Secure IT Management |
2 | 2 | 3 |
| COMP563 | Network Administration | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Humanities/Social Science Elective |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Advanced Networking Elective2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 12 | 6 | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COOP400 | Co-op Work Semester I | 0 | ||
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ELECTIVE | Advanced Networking Elective2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP553 | World Wide Web Application Development | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP420 | Introduction to Computer and Network Security | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| MATH430 | Finite Mathematics | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 13 | 6 | 16 |
Senior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOP600 | Co-op Work Semester II | 0 | ||
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COMP566 | Software Design and Development | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Ethics Elective |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Advanced Networking Elective2 |
3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Advanced Technical Elective1 |
3 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 13 | 6 | 16 | |
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ELECTIVE | Advanced Networking Elective2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP655 | Senior Project in Computer & Network Information | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| COMP690 | Seminar in Computer and Network Information | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Humanities/Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 11 | 8 | 15 |
R=Class Hours Per Week, L=Lab Hours Per Week, C=Semester Credit Hours
†Please refer to the English sequence requirement.
*Please refer to the humanities/social science elective requirement.
1Courses selected with the Faculty Advisor as necessary to complement and to broaden the student’s background.
2The advanced Networking and Information Systems courses to be offered in a particular semester will be selected by the CSS department from the following list:
|
COMP402 Storage Area Networks |
COMP406 Special Topics |
|
COMP415 Cryptography and Network Security |
COMP476 Information Systems Project Management |
|
COMP570 Database Applications |
COMP665 Advanced Topics in Networking |
|
COMP670 Advanced Topics in Database Management Systems |
|
In addition, BSCN students may use certain BCOS courses as required Advanced Networking Elective courses provided they have passed the course prerequisites. The eligible BCOS courses are:
|
COMP438 Assembly Language |
COMP460 Introduction to Game Programming |
|
COMP601 Introduction to Bioinformatics |
COMP611 Introduction to Biostatistics |
|
COMP613 Computer Graphics |
COMP635 Parallel Processing |
Computer Science: Leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree
Students in Computer Science (BCOS) gain valuable skills in software design, computer architecture, and programming in high-level computer languages such as C, C++, and JAVA. Related courses including database management, graphics, networking, and operating systems are also integral courses in this program. Courses are also available in computer game development and bioinformatics (Perl). Students are required to successfully complete two co-op work semesters beginning junior year.
Program Educational Objectives for Computer Science
- Graduates will have a solid foundation for engaging in lifelong learning and professional development in the computer science field.
- Graduates will attain productive and challenging computer science and/or software engineering careers in private practice, industry, and government.
- Graduates will be proficient in applying contemporary computer science theory and practice to problems encountered in their workplace.
- Graduates will exhibit professionalism and behave in an ethical manner with regard to workplace and societal issues.
Freshman Year
|
Fall Semester |
Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMP128 | Computer Science I | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP105 | Intro to Networking and Systems |
3 | 2 | 4 |
| ENGLISH | English Sequence† |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Sequenced Science Elective I1 |
3 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 13 | 6 | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COMP201 | Computer Science II | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ENGLISH | English Sequence† |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| MATH285 | Engineering Calculus I | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Sequenced Science Elective II1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 14 | 4 | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMP278 | Computer Architecture | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP285 | Object Oriented Programming | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| MATH295 | Engineering Calculus II | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Non-Tracked Science Elective1 |
3 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 13 | 6 | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COMP310 | Data Structures | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP355 | Database Management Systems | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | HumanitiesSocial Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| MATH410 | Discrete Mathematics | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ENGL350 | Sophomore Writing Assessment | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 14 | 4 | 16 |
Note: Prior to entering junior year courses, students must have completed all prerequisite courses listed above or have received permission from the department to enroll in these courses.
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOP300 | Pre-Cooperative Work Term (Optional) | 0 |
Junior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTIVE | Humanities/Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| COMP438 | Assembly Language | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| COMP501 | Introduction to Programming Languages | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| MATH440 | Linear and Vector Algebra |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 14 | 4 | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COOP400 | Co-op Work Semester I | 0 | ||
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COMP362 | Operating Systems | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Humanities/Social Science Elective |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| COMP414 | Algorithm Design and Analysis | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| MATH505 | Statistics and Probabilities for Engineers |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 13 | 6 | 16 |
Senior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOP600 | Co-op Work Semester II | 0 | ||
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ELECTIVE | Advanced Computer Science Elective2 | 3 |
2 | 4 |
| COMP566 | Software Engineering | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Advanced Computer Science Elective2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Humanities/Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 13 | 6 | 16 | |
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ELECTIVE | Advanced Computer Science Elective2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE |
| Advanced Computer Science Elective2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | |
| COMP650 | Senior Project in Computer Science | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| PHIL450 | Ethics | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 11 | 10 | 16 |
R=Class Hours Per Week, L=Lab Hours Per Week, C=Semester Credit Hours
†Please refer to the English sequence requirement.
*Please refer to the humanities/social science elective requirement.
1BCOS students take three total science electives: two that are tracked (where the second course builds upon the content of the first course) and one non-tracked course. Current approved elective tracks are:
- PHYS310 and 320, Engineering Physics I and II
- PHYS310 and PHYS411, Engineering Physics I and Modern Physics
- BIOL 110 and 120, General Biology I and II
- BIOL130 and BIOL280, Cell and Molecular Biology and Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL280 and 290, Anatomy and Physiology I and II
For the non-tracked elective, students may take any other biology, chemistry or physics class with the exception of PHYS210, College Physics I and PHYS220, College Physics II.
2The advanced Computer Science (CS) courses to be offered in a particular semester will be selected by the CSS department from the following list:
|
COMP406 Special Topics |
COMP613 Computer Graphics |
|
COMP460 Introduction to Game Programming |
COMP630 Distributed Computing |
|
COMP461 Advanced Game Programming |
COMP635 Parallel Processing |
|
COMP462 Virtual Reality |
COMP645 Computational Linguistics |
|
COMP543 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence |
COMP665 Advanced Topics in Networking |
|
COMP601 Introduction to Bioinformatics |
COMP670 Advanced Topics in Database Management Systems |
|
COMP602 Bioinformatics Algorithms |
COMP671 Theory of Computation |
|
COMP603 Compiler Design |
COMP675 Distributed Information Systems |
|
COMP611 Introduction to Biostatistics |
COMP685 Seminar in Computer Science |
|
COMP612 Biological Data Mining |
|
In addition, BCOS students may use certain BCNS courses as required advanced CS courses, provided they have passed the prerequisites. The eligible BCNS courses are:
|
COMP402 Storage Area Networks |
COMP420 Introduction to Computer Network Security |
|
COMP476 Information Systems Project Management |
COMP415 Cryptography & Network Security |
|
COMP553 WWW Application Development |
COMP563 Network Administration |
|
COMP570 Database Applications |
|
